fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

a

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

b

: characterized by fibrosis

c

: capable of being separated into fibers

a fibrous mineral

2

: tough, sinewy

fibrous texture

Synonyms

• stringy

Examples of fibrous in a Sentence

He had surgery to remove fibrous scar tissue in his knee.

thick, fibrous hair that was not easy to comb

Recent Examples on the Web

The intervertebral discs between the spinal vertebrae comprise a gel-like core, the nucleus pulposus (NP), encased by a tough, fibrous outer ring. —Paul McClure 06, New Atlas, 6 May 2025

Somehow, someway, kids always end up figuring out there's a green fibrous plant hiding underneath. —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025

Chitin is a fibrous material that is the second most abundant polymer — after cellulose — on earth. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2025

Instead, these fibrous foods move through your digestive system, encouraging gastric emptying and reducing constipation.4 3. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

modification of Middle French fibreux, from fibre fiber

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing fibrous

• fibrous root

Kids Definition

fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

2

: tough entry 1 sense 1b, stringy

Medical Definition

fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

collagen is a fibrous protein

2

: characterized by fibrosis